Diary (Social Justice)

Social Justice

Social Justice is a term used to denote the ideals of the dignity and harmony of people in societies characterised by a wide and fair distribution of economic resources and political power.

Society ensures Social Justice when it provides the conditions that allow associations or individuals to obtain what is their due, according to their nature and their vocation. Social Justice is linked to the common good and the exercise of authority.
Social Justice can be obtained only in respecting the transcendent dignity of humanity. The person represents the ultimate end of society, to whom it is ordered: What is at stake is the dignity of the human person, whose defence and promotion have been entrusted to us by the Creator, and to whom the men and women at every moment of history are strictly and responsibly in debt. Catechism of the Catholic Church, nn1928-9

2019

Bishop Paul McAleenan, the lead Catholic Bishop for Migration and Asylum in England and Wales has issued a statement on the government’s forthcoming Settlement Scheme for EU citizens living in the UK. ICN report.
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Interested in social justice, the need for our country to offer ‘welcome to the stranger’, and not afraid of a bit of hard work? Find out more about this opportunity to engage with the work done in Calais to support those seeking safety with Justice and Peace Scotland”
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The latest edition of Church Action on Poverty newsletter, 'Spark' is out now. Among other articles read about the couple who were left homeless by Universal Credit, and delivered End Hunger UK's petition to the Prime Minister.
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In Scotland the Day of Prayer for Peace takes place on Sunday 6th January 2019, The Feast of the Epiphany. The theme of this year's letter for the Day of Prayer for Peace is “political engagement”.
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Justice and Peace Scotland and Sciaf have worked together to bring this exhibtion of refugee photographs and stories to every diocese in Scotland. Archbishop Tartaglia launched the exhibition in St Andrews Cathedral, Clyde Street in Glasgow on World Refugee Day, 20th June 2018.
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The Catholic Social Teaching qoutes for 2019 are now available! These quotes are linked to the mass themes or significant social justice dates in the calendar. Please share them widely, perhaps including them in newsletters, bulletins or prayer group reflections etc.
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Leaders of Scotland's largest faith groups, children's charities, anti-poverty groups and senior academics have called on the Scottish Government to use its budget - due to be published on Wednesday - to urgently deliver a new income supplement for families who are struggling to get by.
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Bishop Nolan, President of Justice and Peace Scotland along with other Scottish faith leaders have signed a letter to the Scottish Government urging them to act in this years budget to help families living in poverty in Scotland.
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Interfaith Glasgow and St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art warmly invite you to their next Faith to Faith dialogue event where we will hear from the Scottish Interfaith Group on Domestic Abuse and see their new short film "Walking Through Domestic Abuse". Read More...

For the first time ever, a large scale research project has been conducted to find out the extent of involvement in anti-trafficking work by Catholic religious congregations in England & Wales. ICN report.
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November 18, 2018 marks the second annual World Day of the Poor. Last year, Pope Francis suggested the Catholic Church set aside one day each year when communities can “reflect on how poverty is at the very heart of the Gospel.”
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The First Pax Christi Scotland Event will take place from 23rd-25th November 2018 at Conforti Institute in Coatbridge. Everyone is invited to register for this free event. Day places are available. Contact: anna@confortiinstitute.org
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On the occasion of the two-year milestone since the demolition of the Calais ‘Jungle’ camp, Help Refugees have co-published a report with Refugee Rights Europe in order to highlight the human rights situation which has been unfolding in Northern France.
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The Vatican have announced the theme for next year’s World Day of Peace, which will focus on the political involvement of every person as both a duty, and an act of charity aimed at achieving peace.
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The latest campaign of attacks unleashed against Monsignor Silvio Baez represents a new chapter in the moral bankruptcy of the dictatorship, in its persecution against the Catholic Church.
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The United Nations aid chief sounded the alarm at the Security Council - half the population of war-torn Yemen - some 14 million people - could soon be on the brink of famine and completely relying on humanitarian aid for survival. Report in The New York Times
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“As someone with direct experience of detention, I know the trauma of being deprived of your liberty, which is augmented by the lack of access to justice to come out of that situation. The indefinite nature of detention makes this much worse.”
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A new study from Royal Holloway at the University of London has, for the first time, made a clear connection between climate change and modern slavery in the brickmaking industry in Cambodia.
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As we approach UK Anti Slavery Day on Thursday 18 Oct 'The Tablet' talk to the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster who says “desperate” people seeking refuge in Britain are often treated in a “shocking” way by the country’s immigration system, and is calling on officials to stop treating human trafficking victims simply as migrants.
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There is a lot of discussion in the media this week about the immediate and long-term impact of Universal Credit (UC), whether people will be better or worse off, and whether the ‘losers’ will have their incomes protected when they first move over to UC. This blog by CPAG seeks to clarify the story.
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Justice and Peace Scotland are among those campaigning for an increase to child benefit and we are asking for your help. We want to hear your thoughts on how child benefit helped you either now or in the past. Email your comments to office@justiceandpeacescotland.org.uk.
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Rah Rah Community Theatre Company will mark Anti Slavery Day on 18th of October with its production of MY MIND IS FREE by Sam Hall. The production is to tour Scotland in October highlighting the scale of the human trafficking problem in Scotland today.
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On Sunday 30th September, Justice and Peace Scotland, Society of St Vincent de Paul and Xevarian Missionaries Conforti are offering a day of discernment, reflection and planning for action on issues of poverty in Scotland at no cost to those wishing to take part.
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Women who commit offences as result of coercion by traffickers jailed in breach of Modern Slavery Act 2015 as hostile environment drives ‘relentless’ focus on deportation. The Independent has revealed.
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Most people are trying their best to recycle plastic - but the many different ways in which recycling is collected by different councils across the UK has left them confused. Report by BBC.
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We have produced this resource sheet with links to useful websites and resources as background information for our current campaign on human trafficking. Together we can tackle this scourge on society.

Students from Catholic schools across Scotland gathered together on Monday 3rd September, at the Xaverian Missionaries Conforti Centre in Coatbridge for a unique learning experience. 'Beyond the Walls' bought together eight of Scotland's leading lay-apostolate organisations to explore the life and mission of the Church taking place 'beyond the walls of chapels and churches'. ICN reports
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The Independent newspaper is reporting on the campaign calling for change to immigration detention policy and highlights how policy to detain families with no likely chance of removing them feeds into the hostile environment and amounts to 'brutal and unnecessary' tactic to drive down immigration.
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The BBC are reporting on new research by Child Poverty Action Group which shows that Low-earning parents working full-time are still unable to earn enough to provide their family with a basic, no-frills lifestyle, research suggests.Read More...

Few people who do not see the daily workings of the government’s immigration policy have any idea how doctors, teachers and even landlords have effectively been made to patrol a border within. Report in the Guardian.
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Pope Francis looked ahead to the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, marked each year on 30 July, and said it is everyone’s responsibility to take a stand against the shameful crime.
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The Sunday Herald have published a article by Director of Sciaf, Alaister Dutton, on the worrying situation in Nicaragua. Catch up also with our blog "Never in my wildest nightmares" which is written by a Scottish aid worker currently living in Nicaragua.
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A report in the Catholic Herald tells of how a Dominican Sister, Ban Madleen, has been trying to visit her sister who is sick in the UK. Ban Madleen was forced to flee Islamic State in 2014 and has been denied entry to Britain for a second time.
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The Guardian have reported how Campaign Against The Arms Trade (CAAT) have uncovered information which shows that UK government licences for ‘less sensitive goods’ are being used to hide the scale of bomb sales to Saudi, bombs that go on to hit civilian targets in Yemen.
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More than 700 young people in Scotland had a live link-up with students in the Syrian city of Aleppo at the climax of a youth rally organised by Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need.
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Archbishop Tartaglia launched the Refugee Photographic Exhibition at St Andrews Cathedral in Glasgow on 'World Refugee Day', Wednesday 20th June 2018 and spoke of his own roots, as the son of immigrants who fled to this country during World War 1.
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'Refugee law in the UK' is an accessible and practical guide to the meaning of the refugee definition. It is full of hints and tips, links to sources and further information, case law quotations, useful material on how the refugee definition operates in practice in the UK, common arguments, scenarios and examples. The last part of the ebook examines the cessation, exclusion and refoulement clauses of the convention.
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Safe Passage UK are asking everyone to take immediate action to contact their MP to support Lord Dubs’ amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill which will keep open safe and legal options for vulnerable young people alone in Europe to be reunited with their families in the UK.
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Trust is a key component in fighting human trafficking, Cardinal Vincent Nichols told delegates at a United Nations conference this week. The Cardinal was addressing diplomats, law enforcement officials and charities involved in the support of survivors of human trafficking as president and chair of the Santa Marta Group.

Ready to open its doors to accommodate and support up to 20 homeless people, this new initiative by 'Social Bite' is an excellent way of addressing the growing problem of homelessness in Scotland as reported in BBC news.
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Vatican Insider reports how two influential Vatican offices are set to release a new joint document evaluating the morality of the global market system, in what appears to be an effort to give more theological weight to Pope Francis’ frequent criticism that “this economy kills”
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The week-long campaign, taking place 14th – 20th May, is this year focusing on tackling stress. In a recent article Mark Rowland of the Mental Health Foundation tells us why he believes this can go a long way to addressing mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.
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This week is Fashion Revolution Week — a global campaign that calls for greater transparency in all fashion supply chains, from Primark and H&M to Marc Jacobs and Dior. A 10 point fashion menifesto which you can add your name to will be handed into Parliament.

The Guardian reports that Theresa May has told parliament that Albert Thompson, a Londoner denied free NHS cancer treatment despite having lived in the UK for 44 years, will receive the care he needs without having to pay as the government look again at their policy on the Windrush generation.
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A new BBC report highlights the action taken by sixty Church of England bishops along with leaders of other religious groups, who are urging ministers to rethink the two-child benefits cap.
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ICN are reporting on the new Apostolic Exhortation: Gaudete et Exsultate - just released by Pope Francis on the call to holiness where he challenges the whole Church to promote anew the desire for holiness in a practical way, for our own time.
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Remembering Martin Luther King on the 50th anniversary of his death, the Guardian have published an, abridged version of the civil rights leader’s 1968 essay published in Look magazine shortly after his assassination in which he promotes non-violence as a way to bring about lasting change.

There may no longer be shackles or slave ships but products of slavery are around us every day. This article in the Huffington Post lists the things we should all be doing to help end modern slavery.
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Following the HM Inspectorate of Prisons reporting that torture victims were being kept in detention, Bishop Paul McAleenan said the UK government's effective imprisonment of the most vulnerable in society is "shameful" and that it should end indefinite detention as reported in Independent Catholic News.
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This report sets out new recommendations from the Scottish Government's Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group to ensure the commitment to eradicate rough sleeping is met. The recommendations cover actions to prevent rough sleeping; empower frontline services; improve access to housing; strengthen legislation and develop a measurement framework.
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The Craighead Institute are bringing the - Integrating Life and Faith course to St Columba's, Renfrew in the Diocese of Paisley soon. There are 4 modules in the course which starts on Saturday 28th April 2018.
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We are at a pivotal moment for women’s rights. The historical and structural inequalities that have allowed oppression and discrimination to flourish are being exposed like never before. From Latin America to Europe to Asia, on social media, on film sets, on the factory floor and in the streets, women are calling for lasting change and zero tolerance for sexual assault, harassment, and discrimination of all kinds.
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A report published in ICN on March 1st 2018 tells of a small community of Somali Christians living in Mogadishu. There, about 30 elderly people live hidden for fear of the reprisals of Islamic fundamentalists.
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Welcome to the Justice and Peace Scotland February 2018 newsletter. Our bi-monthly newsletter is packed full of news, events, music and much more. You can register to receive our newsletter at the E-News tab above.
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These quotes have been collated with the intention of being included in parish newsletters / bulletins to reflect either the Mass readings for that week, or a significant date in the social justice calendar.
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On Monday 19th March 2018 in Edinburgh, members of the Church in South Sudan will share a little about what it is like for them to live in South Sudan. You can register to attend this free event here.Read More...

This special event to mark the observance of World Social Justice Day – 20 February 2018, under the theme: Workers on the move: the quest for social justice, will bring together concrete stories and testimonies about the challenges of social justice and labour migration and possible policy responses to address these challenges.
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Moral and Spiritual Dilemmas in Challenging Times is a new study guide that encourages discussion groups to delve into divisive issues such as nationalism, populism and extremism from a faith perspective.
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2017

The Refugee Survival Trust's bus pass scheme is a lifeline for destitute refugees and asylum seekers who cannot afford to buy their own tickets. Something as simple as access to public transport can be the reason that an individual is able to attend important meetings, go to the food bank, or even meet friends. Being mobile is crucial to the asylum application process and to integration into life in Scotland.

50 years ago, on Christmas Eve, 1967, Martin Luther King, in what was to be his last Christmas Eve sermon, preached on the links between care for the environment and social justice that are still so relevant today.

Would you or someone you know be interested in volunteering in Calais? Many volunteers are needed to guarantee the distribution of warm food, clothing and sleeping bags. No matter what skills you have or how long you can stay there is something you can do! Here is how to get in touch.
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The Scotsman have today, 7th December 2017, published the following article quoting Bishop Nolan and Sir Harry Burns in support of the Give Me Five Campaign to Increase child benefit by £5 per week in Scotland and lift 30,000 children out of poverty.
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A stark warning in a new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation - Scotland’s progress in tackling poverty is at a turning point and risks unravelling because of soaring housing costs for low income households, in-work poverty and the UK social security freeze.
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MIGRANTS and asylum seekers should only be held in detention centres such as Dungavel House as a “last resort” and only for a fixed period of time, doctors have said. A report by the doctors' union, the BMA, said the Home Office should consider "more humane means of monitoring people" instead of locking them up in immigration and removal centres (IRCs). It said the facilities should eventually be phased out altogether.
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A report in the Scotsman has revealed that one fifth of children in Scotland live in families that are in poverty and cannot afford basic necessities. Scottish Government statistics indicate that 20% of children in Scotland live in families which are both classified as having limited resources - meaning they have low incomes, defined as having 70% of middle income - and also live in material deprivation, so cannot afford basics such as being able to repair or replace a broken kettle.
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The “Give Me Five” campaign aims to lift 30,000 children in Scotland out of poverty by increasing child benefit by £5 a week per child. While the Child Poverty (Scotland) Bill is welcomed, setting out as it does ambitious targets to eradicate child poverty in Scotland by 2030, this campaign seeks urgent action now to meet the needs of the 260,000 children living in poverty in Scotland today.

To add your support to the campaign please sign the petition and write to you MSP here

Feeding back from the conference which took place in October 2017, this report explores how faith communities in post-industrial towns across Scotland are helping to build a Good Society through social action to tackle the effects of poverty.Read More...

Almost nine out of 10 (89%) of British adults say tax avoidance by large companies is morally wrong even if it's legal, according to a new ComRes poll for Christian Aid. The poll is published ahead of the Budget, which is expected to include new measures against tax avoidance following further revelations made in the Paradise Papers.
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SCIAF and Justice & Peace Scotland plan to produce a directory of organisations involved in work for the poor in Scotland and abroad. Those who wish to heed the Pope’s call to practical action by volunteering will be able to use the directory to identify those organisations and to make direct contact with them.

Justice and Peace Scotland have linked up with the Scottish Catholic Education Service to provide an opportunity for Caritas students to take part in the Give Me £5 campaign aimed at topping up child benefit.

Click on the link for a select list of resources to assist Caritas students involved in this campaign
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Pope Francis gave an address on Saturday, to the conference on (Re)Thinking Europe: a Christian Contribution to the Future of the European Project, sponsored by the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Community (COMECE).

In attendance were several delegates from Scotland, including J&P’s Social Justice Convener, Danny Sweeney. Danny will update us on the conference in the coming weeks.

UN Statistics. For those seeking access to historical statistics, scanned copies are now avaialable. They are presented in individual pdf which can be downloaded. Format includes global, regional and national data across all areas of social and economic life. Strong coverage of population, social life, economic activity, international economic relations.

A new ICN article reports that thousands of refugee children are at risk in Europe right now. It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 unaccompanied children in France, who are legally entitled to live in the UK.
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Challenge Poverty Week 2017 takes place on 15-21 October and as a way to highlight this week, the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office have produced a resource, ‘Prayers to Confront Poverty in Scotland’ with a prayer for each day of the week - from different Christian denominations and groups.Read More...

The Catholic Parliamentary Office reports that Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, former head of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and Papal Nuncio to Egypt, has praised Scotland for being a ‘multicultural and multireligious’ society.
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More than 40 million people around the world were victims of modern slavery – forced labour and forced marriage – in 2016, a United Nations study has found, revealing the true scale of such practices that disproportionately affect women and girls.

Global estimates of modern slavery: Forced labour and forced marriage show that among the victims, about 25 million were in forced labour, and 15 million were in forced marriage. Of the total, almost 29 million – or 71 per cent – are women and girls. Women represent 99 per cent of victims of forced labour in the commercial sex industry and 84 per cent of people in forced marriage.

Sleep in the Park – a mass sleep-out to end homelessness in Scotland. For Good.

Saturday 9th December 2017

Social Bite, a proactive charity working around Scotland with and for homeless people, is organising the world's largest ever sleep-out and are hoping to attract 9,000 people to Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens. The charity hopes that by raising funds and working together, the people of Scotland will create such an impetus that homelessness will be eradicated over a five-year period.

ACTS (Action of Churches Together in Scotland) Anti-Human Trafficking Group along with The Albertus Institute and Edinburgh University have organised a discussion day on slavery and human trafficking with the emphasis on Scotland.
Entitled ‘More Slaves Today than at any Time in Human History’ Exchanging Scottish and International Perspectives on Human Trafficking ' it takes place on Saturday October 7th in Edinburgh. Details.

Eastwood Ecumenical Peace & Justice Forum is planning to hold a meeting to mark Good Money Week on 2nd October 2017 in East Renfrewshire. The purpose of Good Money Week is to draw awareness to the range of opportunities which exist for those wishing to know what choices there are to invest in ethical financial products.

Give me Five Campaign. This is the campaign to petition the Scottish government to add £5 per week per child to Child Benefit. This short video covers the main points of the campaign,

Responding to Refugees and Migrants. As you know, Pope Francis has issued a 20-point action plan to governments on refugees and migrants. This short video puts these points into an easily accessible format.

Community groups brought together by the Interfaith Food Justice Network in Glasgow invite you all to come along to George Square on Sunday 3rd September to share some free food and a blether at One Big Picnic!

This is a free event open to the general public to celebrate the diversity of Glasgow’s residents and bring people from all different backgrounds together.

The event is being organised by a group of local people from diverse backgrounds including Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Humanist, Buddhist and non-religious who are working together to deliver One Big Picnic in order to promote dignity, community and food justice.

An article in the Church Times indicates that Church of England Bishops are growing concerned after the Child Poverty Action Group reported that some parents were no longer able to meet the costs of caring for their children

Rabbi Michael Lerner from the Network of Spiritual Progressives, and editor of Tikkun magazine writes: Many of us spiritual progressives have been in deep grief for the loss of life of Heather Heyer, the woman killed by a Nazi fanatic who also wounded 19 other anti-racist activists.
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Modern slavery and human trafficking is far more prevalent than previously thought, with a recent crackdown lifting the lid on the scale of the crime and potentially tens of thousands of victims in the UK, the National Crime Agency has said.
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IT should be making more headlines but it isn’t. There are many good reasons why it should be all over our news pages, and very few to justify why it’s not. The most obvious reason as to why this story should have greater news prominence is that more than 20 million lives hang in the balance, among them 1.4 million children of whom 600,000 could die in the next three to four months. It’s not as if there has been any shortage of warnings either. In March this year Stephen O’Brien, United Nations Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, spelt out the magnitude of the crisis.
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Caritas Anchor House in east London has beaten hundreds of projects across the UK to be shortlisted in the latest Stoves Community Kitchens campaign, and is in the running to win up to £5,000 worth of kitchen appliances.
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Pope Francis called for increased efforts to end human trafficking on Sunday 30th July 2017. The Holy Father’s appeal came in remarks following the Angelus prayer with pilgrims and tourists gathered in St Peter’s Square and the World Day against Trafficking in Persons, sponsored by the United Nations.
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Read the Independent Catholic News report on the first Scottish Nonviolence Conference at Kinnoul, Perth 14th-16th July 2017.

The conference was organised by the Fellowship of Reconciliation (England and Scotland) Justice and Peace Scotland and the Church of Scotland. Participants came from groups including the Scottish Episcopalian Church, Quakers, Methodists, Pax Christi, Catholic Church in Scotland, and the Conforti Institute.

There is still time to book your place on Scotland's Nonviolence Conference - "Reclaiming Gospel Nonviolence" at the beautiful St Mary's Monastery, Kinnoul, Perth from Friday 14th July - Sunday 16th July 2017. Day or weekend passes available.
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An opportunity to reflect on and deepen our understanding of Judaism. The colloquium will be lead by Fr. David NeuhausS.J., Latin Patriarchal Vicar for Hebrew speaking Catholics in Israel and Pastoral Coordinator for migrants.

While this Herald article suggests that hate crime is on the increase, Scotland’s community safety minister urges people to report such ‘ appalling acts’ and condemns ‘…any crime motivated by prejudice' as 'absolutely unacceptable’.
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The new Apostolic Nuncio was received by the Queen on 8th June, marking the beginning of his tenure in Great Britain. Archbishop Adam's position will require him to keep the Vatican abreast of Brexit developments.

“For the wellbeing of our human family and the promotion and protection of the common good there is an urgent need to recognise the role of international solidarity as an essential element for the enjoyment of fundamental human rights by all,”

Phil Kerton from Seeking Sanctuary visited Calais on 30 May, taking clothing, cash and bedding donated by various groups and individuals. He found a situation that was superficially calm, yet worrying: worries that have since been confirmed as correct.
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Marian Pallister, the Vice-Chair of Justice and Peace Scotland, has examined the party manifestos, looking at the issues of most concern to justice and peace. The results can be accessed in the attached file.
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May 2017 is the fourth anniversary of the first major binding supply chain agreement ever implemented in the apparel industry for overseas suppliers: the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety. Accord secured a contractual commitment by brands to stand by their suppliers and ensure safety repairs would be completed and reported on transparently, among other things, after years of brands’ struggling with a cut-and-run approach to supply chain monitoring.
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Six months after Muhammed Yusuf had been sold, tortured and forced to watch as a friend died, he found himself back at the parched, dusty bus station where his ordeal began, facing the man who had made him a slave.
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“We are all on a journey with God towards a vision of God's kingdom of justice, of shalom. The Centre for Theology and Justice seeks to respond to the questions we encounter on that journey. We do not journey alone, we journey together, sharing ideas, resources and engaging in theological reflection.”Read More...

World leaders gathering in London have been urged to cancel drought-hit Somalia's debt as millions of people in the African country face starvation.
Famine has already gripped South Sudan, with hunger killing many there and in Somalia, while a national emergency has been declared in Kenya and there are fears of a new wave of drought in Ethiopia.
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As the Church celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Fatima apparitions – Aid to the Church in Need, an international Catholic charity dedicated to Our Lady of Fatima is celebrating its 70th anniversary.
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Just released by the World Bank, a visual mapping of progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development goals which include: ending poverty, good health, access to education, sustainable cities. Each section highlights progress and challenges.

Care4Calais was founded by a group of volunteers with the aim of supporting the people of the Calais refugee camps, providing fresh meals, warm clothing, heating and important legal and medical support.

In Its latest report, it comments there are no signs of improvement to the refugee crisis.

A cross-party group of MPs and Peers has published a report detailing the “horror of hunger amongst children during school holidays”.Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), along with various schools, councils and foodbanks, submitted evidence of children going without food in the holidays.
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A UK general election has been called for 8 June 2017. Now is a vital opportunity to speak up for the poorest communities and work together for the common good. We must encourage and challenge all political parties and candidates to show how they will do the same.
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Find out more in the latest 2017 Ethical Fashion report just released by Baptist World Aid Australia. It surveys the practices of 106 companies these include leading Australian brands as well as multinationals operating in Europe and USA. It considers all stages of the production process from raw materials sourcing, manufacturing and the use of child and forced labour and the payment of a living wage. The website provides details on the methodology used and case studies.
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A week ago the Ministry of Defence proudly announced that the UK is "stepping up across the globe: the fifth largest defence budget in the world and largest in Europe, rising by around £1Bn a year" How will this promote sustainable security with research and investment into those things that will keep us truly safe?Read More...

When it comes to solving the immigration crisis, the media need to stop perpetuating negative stereotypes and start explaining the big picture, shedding light on the causes behind migration.
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In a message to the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons Conference in Vienna, Pope Francis called Human Trafficking "a form of slavery, a crime against humanity, a grave violation of human rights, and an atrocious scourge"

News from those working in Calais is that things have never been so tough. The French 'welcome centres' distributed across the country may have provided a solution for some people, but for those where it didn't, conditions are worse than the Jungle ever was.
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Liam Fox, Our new International Trade Secretary has already started informal trade talks with over ten countries including China, Australia and the US. Please take a minute to sign this petition make sure these deals will protect trade with the poorest countries.Read More...

On International Women's Day - Justice and Peace Scotland would like to thank all of the women out there involved in the Justice and Peace movement following in a long line of inspirational women.
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International Women's Day takes place this Wednesday, 8 March. To mark the day - the fourth annual Voices of Faith event takes place in the Vatican. The initiative was started by Catholic philanthropist Chantal Goetz, "to enhance the dignity, participation and leadership of women and girls through persistent and good storytelling." Voices of Faith is supported by the Fidel Goetz Foundation, Caritas and the Jesuit Refugee Service.Read More...

Easter Monday marks the 28th anniversary of the martyrdom of Monseñor Oscar Romero, Archbishop of San Salvador, who once said, ‘as a Christian, I do not believe in death without resurrection. If they kill me I will rise again in the people of El Salvador.’ Rodolfo Cardenal SJ writes about the legacy of Archbishop Romero – very much alive in the Church today.
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On 26 February, raise funds to help transform the church!
This Sunday, we ask: if our churches are to be communities that put the poorest first, how must we change? What must we let go of? What sacrifices are we called to make? How can we allow God to transform us into what Pope Francis has called a “poor Church for the poor”?
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Please sign the new petition calling for the UK Government to scrap the ‘cruel and callous’ tax on victims of domestic abuse. The petition calls for the UK Government to remove the 4% collection charge on child maintenance payments that applies to parents using the ‘Collect-and-Pay’ service.

The programme for the day begins with a morning input by Fr Donal Dorr MD. Fr Donal is a priest of St Patrick’s Missionary Society, and well-known author and presenter. His book Option for the Poor and for the Earth is recognised a classic in its field. Later in the morning, there will be an opportunity for discussion with Fr Donal.

The afternoon will see Duncan Maclaren KCSC, discuss Integral Human Development and the contribution we in Scotland can make. It also gives us a forum for consideration of the import of the Dicastery for IHD which Pope Francis has created and which came into operation on 1st January this year.

Pope Francis met with a group representing indigenous peoples ahead of his Wednesday General Audience, speaking to them about the need to "reconcile the right to development, both social and cultural, with the protection of the particular characteristics of indigenous peoples and their territories"

We were shocked and disappointed to learn that the UK Government intends to terminate the implementation of Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016 – the “Dubs amendment” to resettle unaccompanied asylum seeking children from Europe. To have stopped this programme at fewer than 12% of the original commitment of 3,000 children is reprehensible.
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On Sunday, 5 February, Cardinal Vincent, spoke on the BBC Radio 4 Westminster Hour about the executive order issued by President Trump which suspends the refugee acceptance programme for 120 days, prioritises refugee claims of religious-based persecution and imposes a travel ban on nations from a countries of 'particular concern' (seven, predominantly Muslim, countries have been named).

A new report alleges that disabled people are having their human rights violated by the UK government.The findings are contained in a report by Inclusion Scotland, working with colleagues in England and Wales, on how disabled people’s rights are being met. It concludes that there is evidence that the UK government is breaching its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

A lectionary-based resource, looking at bible stories through the lens of conflict, and the lens of peace.

Spirituality of Conflict is a website dedicated to reading the gospel texts through the lens of conflict and reading conflict through the lens of the gospel texts. lt publishes reflections for the gospel reading for every Sunday of the three year lectionary cycle

"A world economic system that discards men, women and children because they are no longer considered useful or productive according to criteria drawn from the world of business or other organizations, is unacceptable, because it is inhumane"

Hundreds of young adults (16-35) from across Europe will be travelling to Birmingham in the spring - to take part in a gathering led by the Taizé Community from Friday 28th April - Monday 1st May 2017.

The weekend will explore the theme of Hidden Treasure: The small and often hidden ways in which Christians are nourishing their faith through prayer, and acts of solidarity with those in most need.

2016

"The church must continually examine the signs of the times and interpret them in the light of the Gospel" Gaudium et Spes, 1965. p.4.

In the United States, a parish in New Jersey, St. Anne Parish, Fair Lawn, held a prayer service with a difference. Participants reflected upon issues such as immigration, the economy and prejudice with prayers interspersed by Pope Francis' words.

The purpose of the survey is to find out what churches are doing for homeless people and the challenges faced in meeting the seemingly increasing demand. This information will be used to inform church leaders and policy makers about the role the church community is playing, and the support and resources needed.

The Government claims that benefit sanctions improve people's employment prospects. But a recent report from the National Audit Office (NAO) showed that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has no direct evidence for the effectiveness of sanctions, has failed to analyse the data it holds about sanctions, and has refused to share data with other researchers or assist those researchers.

In our blog, Commission member Grace Buckley reports on activities during Interfaith Week

I have to admit that I could not claim any great knowledge of Interfaith Week in the past but this year it really impacted my awareness with two events in particular raising its profile in Glasgow: the launching of Interfaith Glasgow as a separate charity at Glasgow City Chambers on 14th November and the signing of the Interfaith Food Justice Declaration at the new Glasgow Central Gurdwara on 17th November. Read More...

This campaign, supported by Church Action on Poverty amongst others, aims to put pressure on government and politicians to take seriously the issue of hunger in the UK. See the campaign's website for more details.

An academic study has proven the link between benefits sanctions and foodbank use. Oxford University experts have mapped official sanctions data against foodbank referrals figures and concluded that a "robust link" exists.
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Build bridges of justice rather than walls of fear
The Final Declaration from the European Justice and Peace Commission, International Workshop and General Assembly, Luxembourg, 30 Sept-3 Oct 2016
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Challenge Poverty Week aims to bring together organisations from across civil society - from grassroots community groups to national voluntary organisations, trade unions and faith groups to highlight what they are doing to address poverty.

New Report Exposes Severe Poverty In Scotland
The new CAS report, ‘Living at the Sharp End’, is based on Scottish CAB evidence over the last four years, as well as a survey of CAB clients and special focus groups of those who are living in severe poverty. It finds that the social security system is failing to provide the essential safety net that is meant to stop people falling into poverty.
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Joseph Rowntree Foundation estimates that dealing with the effects of deprivation costs £1,200 for each person in Britain
Dealing with the effects of poverty costs the public purse £78bn a year, or £1,200 for every person in the UK, according to the first wide-ranging report into the impact of deprivation on Britain’s finances. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) estimates that the impact and cost of poverty accounts for £1 in every £5 spent on public services. (Katie Allen The Guardian)Read More...

Statistics published by the Scottish Govt 28/6/16
This publication presents annual estimates of the percentage and number of people, children, working age adults and pensioners living in low income households in Scotland. The estimates are used to monitor progress in reducing poverty and income inequality. The data published for the first time here are for the financial year April 2014 to March 2015
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Statement of Justice and Peace Europe on recent decisions of the Council of the European Union. 'In a period of growing income inequalities taxation must become fairer. That everybody and every company pays its fair share of taxes must be a key policy goal.'Read More...

At a meeting on 1 June 2016 members of English and Welsh National Justice and Peace Network executive expressed great concern at the content and tone of the debate on the forthcoming European referendum. Read this full statement and other church voices on the EU referendum from around the UK'
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Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews & Edinburgh is marking the 125th anniversary of a landmark Papal encyclical – Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum – by re-proposing its social teaching as 'enormously relevant to modern-day Scottish society’s pursuit of the common good'. “At the foundation of Pope Leo’s vision was an unshakable belief in the intrinsic value of every man, woman and child,” writes Archbishop Cushley in the Scotsman, 9 June, 2016. “The measure of any political, moral or economic order was to be the degree to which it threatened or enhanced the life and dignity of the human person.”
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A review of the new UN data by the Food Foundation and Oxford University shows that the number of people who are food insecure in the UK goes far beyond those using charitable food assistance such as food banks. These new data raise important questions for the Government:
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Marian Pallister, Argyll & the Isles Justice and Peace Commissioner and SCIAF ambassador travelled to Lourdes with SCIAF for the Caritas Europa conference at which strategies for 2016 to 2020 were discussed. Issues discussed by delegates included family and child poverty, the refugee crisis, and the world financial situation. These are Marian’s personal reflections on the conference.
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A new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation
1.25m people, including over 300k children, are destitute. This report defines destitution in the UK, looking at how many people are affected, who they are, and the main pathways in and out of destitution. It looks at the impact and experience of those people directly affected.
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Poverty Alliance Manifesto Scottish Parliament Elections 2016
THE LEADING ALLIANCE of anti-poverty campaigners and charities have urged the major parties to pursue a more radical agenda using Holyrood's new powers. Build a Scottish social security system, roll out the Living Wage, and tackle stigma of poverty: this is the message issued by anti-poverty campaigners keen to see Holyrood's new powers used effectively.
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In a letter which was read in all of Scotland’s 500 Catholic parishes on the weekend of 9/10 April, Scotland’s eight Catholic Bishops urged parishioners to be 'active participants in shaping a better society' not simply 'passive spectators' they also encouraged greater participation in the political process, suggesting; 'you might well consider it worthwhile to join a political party'.
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Poverty in Scotland 2016 is the latest edition in the series from the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) and partners and provides a useful and informed overview of the poverty and anti-poverty policies that will form the context for the next elected Scottish Parliament set to enjoy significant new powers.
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European Justice and Peace Acction
The Conference of European Justice and Peace Commissions (Justice and Peace Europe) annual Concerted Action 2016. The theme “Growing Economic Inequality and Taxation – A Challenge for Europe and the World”.
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Faith in Throughcare works in local communities in some of the most challenged areas of Scotland. They recruit and train volunteers from all walks of life to mentor someone returning to their community after a short prison sentence. They are currently active in North Glasgow, Greenock/ Port Glasgow and Kilmarnock.
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Food is a gift from God. But in the UK today, thousands of people are denied access to that gift by injustices that leave them destitute. Churches play a vital role in sharing food with those who need it – and speaking out to ensure that nobody goes without. Break bread with us on Church Action on Poverty Sunday!
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Joint Public Issues Team blog
Announced quietly, on the last day of Parliament in 2015, the findings from the Government-ordered evaluation of the bedroom tax make disturbing reading. 75% of those affected are cutting back on food. The bedroom tax was one of the most controversial and widely condemned policies included within the Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2012
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Through prayer and reflection, Homeless Sunday offers an opportunity to listen to what God has to say about homelessness, and to consider what action we are being called to take. Homeless Sunday 2016 will be held on 24 January, with the theme Connect, Challenge, Commit.
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Read the latest study co-funded by Crisis and JRF that provides an independent analysis of the impact on homelessness of recent economic and policy developments across in the UK; this report focuses on Scotland.
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2015

A new poll revealed a huge majority of people in Scotland believe the need for food banks is a sign that something is ‘fundamentally wrong’ in our society. The research, which was commissioned by Oxfam Scotland, also indicates strong support for action to reduce the need for food banks – and wider food insecurity – in Scotland.
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Bishop Nolan’s letter is the primary resource for the day. A copy has been posted to every parish in Scotland and is available to download here from 2 January. Please try to ensure that it is read out in your parish. It represents the Scottish contribution to the universal Church’s message. Resources are available for use in the parish
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The Scottish Government have released an update on the Fairer Scotland discussions that have been taking place across the country, the report focuses on how Scotland might use the further Social Security powers to be devolved as part of the Smith Commission settlement.
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Visit the CAFOD Advent Calendar each day during Advent, and join in prayer and share the gift of hope. Inspired by our faith, we wait with joyful hope for Christ to come into our world. And we stand alongside our sisters and brothers who hope to lift themselves out of poverty.
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More than 900,000 people in Scotland live in low income households. In a rich country like ours this is unnecessary and unacceptable. Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity for you to raise you voice against poverty and show what is being done to tackle poverty across. Organisations large and small supported Challenge Poverty Week last year, and we hope even more get behind it this year.
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Event in Glasgow
On October 17 1987, 100,000 people from around the world gathered together in Paris to bear witness to people living in poverty throughout the world. The event was organised by the international movement ATD Fourth World and during it a large commemorative stone was unveiled, part of which reads, 'Wherever men and women are condemned to live in poverty, human rights are violated. It is our solemn duty to come together to ensure that these rights are respected'.
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It would be quite misleading to describe the 2015 Summer Budget as a "one nation budget" or as favouring "working families" and "giving the nation a pay rise" in any meaningful sense, says Ekklesia co-director Simon Barrow. On the contrary it hits low income households and disabled people, and will increase further Britain's alarming levels of inequality. (Ekklesia)
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The Government is intending to change how it measures child poverty. We will move from counting people’s ability to afford the basics of everyday life to counting a selective and set of personal characteristics which muddle the causes and effects of poverty. The question asked by the proposed measures is not “Are you poor?” it is instead “What personal flaws can your poverty be blamed on?”. (Joint Public Issues Team)
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Volunteers needed to help with loading the book container on Mandela Day - Sat. 18th July (10am - 12 noon) Formal send off of the container at Glasgow City Chambers at 2pm. Plus event in Ayr.
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The government has announced that it intends to proceed with proposals to introduce a seven-day waiting period before claimants are eligible for Universal Credit which is already paid a month in arrears. (Ekklesia)
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For 12 months from May 2013 the Joseph Rowntree Foundation supported the Poverty Alliance to carry out a range of activities that would help ensure that the voices and experiences of those living on low incomes in Scotland were included as part of their UK Anti-Poverty Strategies research programme. This short report highlights what, for the communities and individuals we have engaged with, a Scotland without of poverty would mean to them. It sought to identify what some of the main challenges are, and how these may be addressed over the short and longer term.Read More...

Today's benefit sanctions system is unjust and damaging to some the country’s most vulnerable people. It is clear that it punishes people who need support and drives many into desperation and hunger. Please help make MPs aware of this grave injustice.
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In a pastoral letter which will be read at all 500 Catholic churches in Scotland, Scotland's Catholic Bishops, will urge parishioners to participate in the 2015 General Election and to be informed by the teachings of the Church. The detailed statement will list; Life, the Family, the economy, Human Freedom, Peace and Evangelisation as key areas
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One of the issues that voters will be considering ahead of the General Election on 7 May is membership of the European Union, an institution whose origins are rooted in the principles of Catholic Social Teaching. The same principles are helpful in deciding who we will vote for; and what expectations and limitations we would like to see placed on the government that eventually forms. (Thinking Faith)
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Church agencies have expressed their disappointment at the Budget, which they say will hurt the most vulnerable people in the UK and overseas. Helen O'Brien, Chief Executive of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) which represents 41 Catholic charities in England and Wales, said: "whilst the increased funds Church agencies for children's mental health services and support for small charities through Gift Aid regulations are welcome, significant further cuts for welfare and public spending in this year's Budget Statement will fail to stop the squeeze on the most vulnerable.
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There is a wide range of election briefing available online. Some of this briefing also contains useful instructions for mounting a hustings. If you are thinking of organising hustings, it is important to be aware of legal responsibilities. It is also important to remember that this is an election for the Westminster Parliament, whose jurisdiction is restricted to reserved matters Read More...

Please call on your MP to rethink the unjust and inhumane benefit sanctions regime- Church Action on Poverty Campaign

If you commit a crime, no criminal court in the UK is allowed to make you go hungry as a punishment. But if you’re late for an appointment at the Jobcentre, they can remove all your income and leave you unable to feed yourself or your family for weeks at a time. Email your MP now!
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International Women’s Day on 8 March is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come but also on what still needs to change to create a more equal and diverse society. One area in which change is desperately needed is the treatment of asylum seeking women in the UK. (Refugee Council)
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A new report from a coalition of major UK Churches has revealed that around 100,000 children were affected by benefit sanctions in 2013/14. It also shows that in the same period a total of nearly 7 million weeks of sanctions were handed out to benefit claimants. The new data, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, featured in the 2 March,episode of Channel 4's Dispatches, entitled 'Britain's Benefits Crackdown.' (Ekklesia)
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New research from the Poverty Alliance has highlighted the extent of emergency food aid provision across Scotland, showing that many organisations and groups are giving urgent support to thousands of Scots every year. As part of a Scottish Government funded study into the role of food banks and other emergency food aid provider’s 167 providers of emergency food aid were identified. The research also showed that many of these organisations were providing more than food alone.
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UN World Day of Social Justice Social justice is an underlying principle for peaceful and prosperous coexistence within and among nations. We uphold the principles of social justice when we promote gender equality or the rights of indigenous peoples and migrants. We advance social justice when we remove barriers that people face because of gender, age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture or disability.
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Excellent downloadable Lenten resources have been produced by J&P activists in Shrewsbury Diocese on behalf of the English and Welsh National Justice and Peace Network. They include ‘A Lenten Journey: Action and Reflection Suggestions for Lent 2015’.
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2014

In the UK today, people on low incomes pay the highest prices for many essential goods and services: for food, for fuel, for finance, for furniture, and even funerals. This 'Poverty Premium' costs the average low-income family an extra £1,300 every year. The Scottish and UK Governments both need to take urgent action to end the injustice of the Poverty Premium. Please send an email today to urge them to do so.
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At a recent meeting (27-29 October) in Rome organised by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace in collaboration with the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, Pope Francis met with the leaders of Popular Movements whose commitment in the search for social justice is well known. The Pope’s address to participants is a stirring restatement of many of the themes he has recently put at the forefront of his pontificate. ‘I accompany you with my heart on this journey. Let us say together from our heart: no family without a dwelling, no rural workers without land, no worker without rights, no person without the dignity that work gives.’
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Fr. Gerry Hughes SJ, probably known to many readers, either personally for his social justice work in and beyond Scotland, as well as through his writings, died last week at the age of 90. Here is an appreciation by the order to which he gave he gave his life. It was certainly a life worth celebrating and he influenced many of us.
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The proportion of employees in low-paid work across Britain increased from 21 to 22 per cent last year - to just over five million people - a Resolution Foundation report has revealed. Low Pay Britain 2014, the Resolution Foundation's annual audit of low pay across Britain, finds that the number of people earning less than two-thirds of median hourly pay, equivalent to £7.69 an hour, rose to 5.2 million, an increase of 250,000 on the previous year. (Ekklesia)Read More...

The Campaign to End Child Poverty published (15 Oct) figures that provide a child poverty map of Scotland. The new statistics, released during Challenge Poverty Week in Scotland show levels of child poverty at local authority and ward level for MP’s constituencies. According to the new figures, one in three children in Glasgow live in poverty, while more than a quarter of children in five other local authorities are also growing up in poverty: Clackmannanshire (26%), Dundee (28%), East Ayrshire (26%), Inverclyde (26%) and North Ayrshire (27%).
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What is Living Wage Week? Living Wage Week takes place each November, it is a UK-wide celebration of the Living Wage and Living Wage Employers. It is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the Living Wage and the Living Wage Employer Mark
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CAS report says disabled Scots are being left in poverty by delays in new system
A new payments system is forcing many disabled Scots into poverty for months without the means to pay for basics like food, fuel and housing - according to a new report by Citizens Advice Scotland. (Third Force News)Read More...

More than 800,000 people in Scotland live in low income households. In a rich country like ours this is unnecessary and unacceptable. Challenge Poverty Week is an opportunity for you to help fight poverty and hardship in Scotland. More than 40 organisations and groups supported Challenge Poverty Week last year, and we hope even more get behind it this year.
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The United Nations General Assembly opened its 69th annual session on 16 September with the body's new President declaring that it would be a historic opportunity to formulate a post-2015 development agenda that is transformative, brings tangible results in fighting poverty, and leads to improving lives of all people. (Ekklesia)Read More...

'This briefing is not in support of either YES or NO viewpoints. It examines the topic of the Referendum and tries to put the issue in the context of Catholic Social Teaching; with a view to assisting people to come to their own decision through an awareness of this tradition.' Read More...

Commenting on the closure of the Ferguson Shipbuilders yard in Port Glasgow, Bishop John Keenan said: “Together with the entire community of Port Glasgow and the whole population of Inverclyde, I was deeply saddened to hear the news last week that Ferguson Shipbuilders in Port Glasgow had gone into administration after more than 100 years in business.”
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What are our hopes and dreams for our nation, whatever the outcome of the vote? If you would like to take time to reflect on these questions, and support others to do the same, why not lead a Referendum reflection group? The aim of the groups is to assist parishioners in reflecting on the referendum through the prism of faith; in particular to consider what our hopes are for our nation, and what values we wish to foster whatever the outcome of the vote in September. Materials are available here, written by Miriam McHardy from The Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh.

ACTS has prepared prayers and liturgical material for use on the Sundays before and after the Scottish Independence Referendum (Thursday 18th September 2014). These prayers and liturgical materials are freely available for direct use or adaptation either in a main service or for small groups.
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The majority of social security cuts announced by the government will fall on working families, who will suffer twice the level of benefit losses as out of work families, according to a new report published on 22 August by the Trades Union Congress (TUC). (Ekklesia)Read More...

Just Faith is a joint outreach initiative by Justice & Peace, SCIAF and Mission Matters Scotland. The aim of the project is to share the social justice work of the Church and to encourage Catholics to connect our faith with action for change. The launch event for Paisley Diocese will take place on Friday 29 August from 6pm – 8pm in the diocesan office, Incle Street, Paisley.
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Wednesday 6th August at 7pm in Holy Cross Parish Hall, Croy J&P are hosting; "Referendum Debate- Moral Choices?" The Justice & Peace Group has arranged an “Any Questions”-type evening. Both campaigns are sending good speakers: Jamie Hepburn MSP for “Yes Scotland” and Cllr. Jackie Burns for “Better Together”. The former has been MSP for Cumbernauld & Kilsyth since 2011. The latter is currently the deputy leader of South Lanarkshire Council. Morag Donaldson is a member of the Church and Society Council of the Church of Scotland and was involved in producing “Our Vision imagining Scotland’s Future. She will open the evening by a short presentation of their conclusions. As you know the Church of Scotland Council like Justice and Peace are non political and such will aim to ensure that an informed debate takes place.

The UK government is risking "systematic violation" of international human rights law in its treatment of disabled people, charities claim. Britain is a signatory to a binding UN convention on the rights of people with disabilities, and the international covenant on economic, social and cultural rights. Austerity measures and welfare reforms such as the bedroom tax mean the rights of disabled people to independent living, work, and social security have been undermined, causing significant hardship, say campaigners, (The Guardian, 07/07/14)Read More...

Two reports published by the Scottish Government Welfare Reform Committee in June highlight the real and damaging impact of sanctions and benefit reforms across Scotland. Evidence shows the biggest impact of welfare reform falls on the poorest and especially those living in Glasgow whose working age residents lose the equivalent of £620 a year although a number of other older industrial areas across Scotland are also hit hard. The reports are available here.

Figures published on July 1st 2014 by the Scottish Government on Poverty and Inequality show a rise in the number of people in Scotland living in poverty, and highlights the continuing increase in in-work poverty. In 2012/13, 16 per cent of people in Scotland were living in poverty, compared with 14 per cent the previous year. In real terms, this means that there are now 820,000 individuals are now living in poverty in Scotland. The report found that children were the group most likely to be living in poverty, with 19 per cent of children living in poverty, compared to 15 per cent of working age adults and 15 per cent of pensioners. (Poverty Alliance)
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‘The media recently carried various versions of a story claiming that Pope Francis had offered an opinion on the Referendum. This item puts the matter in context and fully explains what Pope Francis actually said.’

Four of Scotland's recently elected MEPs have signed the European Anti Poverty Network's pledge to tackle poverty. The four who signed the pledge were Labour party MEPs David Martin and Catherine Stihler, and SNP MEPs Alyn Smith and Ian Hughton.
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The level of child poverty in Britain is "a stain on our national conscience", leading charities have said as a Government adviser warns today that its reforms are failing to tackle the problem. While the economy may be improving and home-owners are benefiting from rising prices, a shocking report published today by the nation's social mobility tsar predicts that Britain will have 3.5 million children living in poverty by 2020. (Emily Dugan, Independent, 09/06/14)
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More than 20 charities, including , the Child Poverty Action Group and Church Action on Poverty have signed a statement accusing the UK of violating the basic right to food. The action follows a letter to the government from 600 Christian clergy and bishops seeking urgent action on the scandal of foodbanks and food poverty, a similer statement from Jewish leaders, and the nationwide End Hunger Fast and many others - in solidarity with 900,000 people going hungry or short of food. (Ekklesia)Read More...

The Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC), meeting in Dundee from 14-16 April 2014), has passed an extensive motion on welfare reform and the effects of poverty in the UK. Ekklesia co-director Simon Barrow supported this motion on behalf of the National Union of Journalists in Scotland, with particular reference to the role of different sections of the media and its relation to policy-making. (Ekklesia)Read More...

Scottish Churches Housing Action is backing a call to MSPs to reject a change proposed in the current Housing Bill. Shelter Scotland and a range of other organisations agree that introducing an age criterion into letting houses runs the risk of making discrimination against young people worse.
Social landlords such as councils and housing associations want to introduce this measure. Read More...

A key new report published on 9 April highlights the failure of the government's employment support and sanctions system for disabled people and spells out the alternative approach and attitude needed. Beyond the Barriers has been researched, written and produced by disabled and sick people themselves, through the Spartacus Network, an online research and advocacy organisation. It has been co-published by Ekklesia and is already attracting support from major charities, politicians and figures in public life. (Ekklesia)Read More...

New research shows that the number of households hit by the bedroom tax has fallen by just 15 per cent during the last year, with nearly six out of seven affected households unable to avoid a cut in rent support. The research, sourced under the Freedom of Information Act by advocacy outfit False Economy, reveals that the number of households subject to the bedroom tax – which results in a reduction in their housing benefit – has actually increased in some local authorities, and barely fallen in others. (Ekklesia)Read More...

Traidcraft campaign
One man in Brussels is on the verge of a decision which could stop bullying by Europe’s biggest supermarkets. In these next critical weeks will you help to keep the pressure up? Whether you’ve already taken action on this issue or not please add your voice now. Call on the Commissioner to announce tough European action on supermarkets. Email Commissioner Barnier today.
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The Children's Society has made a strong response to the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee report on housing support in the reformed welfare system. Matthew Reed, Chief Executive of The Children's Society, commented: "This report shines a spotlight on the damage that some of the government's changes to housing support are causing many of the UK's poorest children and families. (Ekklesia)Read More...

Britain is hungry. Half a million people used food banks in the last year. Charitable support programmes are rapidly expanding but nonetheless a quarter of families are shrinking portion sizes. 5,500 people were admitted to hospital for malnutrition last year. No one should go hungry in Britain. More and more people are just one unexpected bill away from facing bare cupboards. This is a national and moral crisis and government must act to protect the half a million going hungry in Britain.
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Plus new 'End Hunger Fast' campaign launched
Last year, half a million people in the UK depended on emergency food aid. The single most common reason for people to need food aid is that their benefits have been changed, delayed or stopped. The explosion in food poverty and the use of food banks is a national disgrace. It undermines the UK's commitment to ensuring all its citizens have access to food - one of the most basic human rights.
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In February 2013 the Church and Society Council supported So Say Scotland to host the Thinking Together Citizens Assembly. From this experience a simplified event was made available for congregations to facilitate community-wide discussions in a neutral, safe space. It was intended as a method of opening up discussion on the values folk want to see in Scotland in the future by focusing on 3 questions:
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Archbishop Vincent Nichols condemned the UK Government's austerity programme as a ‘disgrace’, leaving increasing numbers of people to face “hunger and destitution”. In a hard-hitting interview published in the Telegraph, the Archbishop of Westminster said that while the need to reduce spending on benefits is widely accepted, the Government’s reforms have now destroyed even the “basic safety net”.
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A new report, Working for Poverty, from the Living Wage Commission (a 12 month independent inquiry into the future of the Living Wage, chaired by Archbishop of York John Sentamu) says the economic recovery will have no effect for one in five workers unless employers pay a Living Wage. (Ekklesia)Read More...

The Scottish Government's Welfare Reform Committee has published its Interim Report on the 'Bedroom Tax'. The report looks at whom the 'bedroom tax' is affecting and makes the case that it may cost more than it saves and possibly breaches tenants' human rights.Read More...

Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith's latest comments on welfare and benefits are offensive, misleading and out of touch, say critics. He has compared his role in cutting welfare with the work of abolitionists and likened receiving benefits to slavery. Charities and NGOs, are now getting behind a new initiative called 'Who Benefits?' which aims to share personal stories to illustrate the reality of who needs help, why they need it and the difference that it makes. (Ekklesia)
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The Scottish Welfare Fund was established earlier this year as an interim replacement for the discretionary Social Fund. The Scottish Government is now consulting on plans to give the SWF a secure statutory footing. The consultation on the Welfare Funds (Scotland) Bill is open until 7 February 2014. The consultation is also seeking views on options for independent scrutiny of decisions made by Local Authorities on applications to the SWF.
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Older Articles

Resources

Interested in social justice, the need for our country to offer ‘welcome to the stranger’, and not afraid of a bit of hard work? Find out more about this opportunity to engage with the work done in Calais to support those seeking safety with Justice and Peace Scotland”

The Catholic Social Teaching qoutes for 2019 are now available! These quotes are linked to the mass themes or significant social justice dates in the calendar. Please share them widely, perhaps including them in newsletters, bulletins or prayer group reflections etc.

Bishop Nolan, President of Justice and Peace Scotland along with other Scottish faith leaders have signed a letter to the Scottish Government urging them to act in this years budget to help families living in poverty in Scotland.

The Church cannot remain silent to labour and human rights abuses in the fishing industry, the Vatican’s Prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, Cardinal Peter K. A. Turkson has said.

We have produced this resource sheet with links to useful websites and resources as background information for our current campaign on human trafficking. Together we can tackle this scourge on society.

ICN are reporting on the new Apostolic Exhortation: Gaudete et Exsultate - just released by Pope Francis on the call to holiness where he challenges the whole Church to promote anew the desire for holiness in a practical way, for our own time.

This report sets out new recommendations from the Scottish Government's Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Action Group to ensure the commitment to eradicate rough sleeping is met. The recommendations cover actions to prevent rough sleeping; empower frontline services; improve access to housing; strengthen legislation and develop a measurement framework.

These quotes have been collated with the intention of being included in parish newsletters / bulletins to reflect either the Mass readings for that week, or a significant date in the social justice calendar.

Welcome to the Justice and Peace Scotland February 2018 newsletter. Our bi-monthly newsletter is packed full of news, events, music and much more. You can register to receive our newsletter at the E-News tab above.

A stark warning in a new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation - Scotland’s progress in tackling poverty is at a turning point and risks unravelling because of soaring housing costs for low income households, in-work poverty and the UK social security freeze.

Justice and Peace Scotland have linked up with the Scottish Catholic Education Service to provide an opportunity for Caritas students to take part in the Give Me £5 campaign aimed at topping up child benefit.

Click on the link for a select list of resources to assist Caritas students involved in this campaign

Challenge Poverty Week 2017 takes place on 15-21 October and as a way to highlight this week, the Scottish Churches Parliamentary Office have produced a resource, ‘Prayers to Confront Poverty in Scotland’ with a prayer for each day of the week - from different Christian denominations and groups.

Give me Five Campaign. This is the campaign to petition the Scottish government to add £5 per week per child to Child Benefit. This short video covers the main points of the campaign,

Responding to Refugees and Migrants. As you know, Pope Francis has issued a 20-point action plan to governments on refugees and migrants. This short video puts these points into an easily accessible format.

Marian Pallister, the Vice-Chair of Justice and Peace Scotland, has examined the party manifestos, looking at the issues of most concern to justice and peace. The results can be accessed in the attached file.

Just released by the World Bank, a visual mapping of progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development goals which include: ending poverty, good health, access to education, sustainable cities. Each section highlights progress and challenges.

A cross-party group of MPs and Peers has published a report detailing the “horror of hunger amongst children during school holidays”.Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), along with various schools, councils and foodbanks, submitted evidence of children going without food in the holidays.

Find out more in the latest 2017 Ethical Fashion report just released by Baptist World Aid Australia. It surveys the practices of 106 companies these include leading Australian brands as well as multinationals operating in Europe and USA. It considers all stages of the production process from raw materials sourcing, manufacturing and the use of child and forced labour and the payment of a living wage. The website provides details on the methodology used and case studies.

Read the latest study co-funded by Crisis and JRF that provides an independent analysis of the impact on homelessness of recent economic and policy developments across in the UK; this report focuses on Scotland.

New research highlights growing gaps in the welfare safety net
For far too many people, instead of providing security against hunger, the ‘welfare safety net’ is itself a contributory factor in creating insecurity and destitution. Restoring Faith in the Safety Net, published by Church Action on Poverty, calls for urgent action to restore faith in the safety net. TAKE ACTION

On 10th June 2015 the Commission on Housing and Wellbeing published its report 'A blueprint for Scotland's future' The Commission selected eight types of wellbeing that were potentially relevant to assessing the benefits of good housing - home, community, employment, income, health, education and environmental sustainability.

Caritas Europa’s new report on the impact of crisis reveals disturbing levels of poverty and deprivation in the seven EU countries worst hit by the economic crisis; Cyprus, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Romania and Spain. The report “The European Crisis and its Human Cost – A Call for Fair Alternatives and Solutions” – is the second annual edition in a series of in-depth examination of the human impact thatausterity policies are having on people in the EU. Italso documents the growing number of people struggling with poverty and social exclusion.

Pope Francis’ Lenten Message concentrates on the theme of poverty. ‘Lent is a fitting time for self-denial; we would do well to ask ourselves what we can give up in order to help and enrich others by our own poverty. Let us not forget that real poverty hurts: no self-denial is real without this dimension of penance. I distrust a charity that costs nothing and does not hurt.’ The Message forms a good basis for reflection at this time of year.

To conclude the Year of Faith, and as a reflection on the Bishops’ Synod on Evangelisation last year, Pope Francis has published an Apostolic Exhortation with its title from the opening words – Evangelii Gaudium, The Joy of the Gospel.

Here is an account of the proceedings of the joint Social Justice Conference on the theme Towards a Just Economic Order: Challenges of Catholic Social Teaching, held in St Augustine’s School, Edinburgh, on Friday 12 April and Saturday 13 April. For those who were able to attend, it will be a full reminder of the content, although no substitute for the experience. For those unable to attend, it will be a fund of learning as well as a source of reflection. Thanks again to all who made it possible.

A Guide for Parishes
This Guide is the work of Miriam McHardy, Edinburgh Archdiocesan Co-ordinator for Justice & Peace and is meant as an overview.
If you have specific enquiries about this material as it affects you or someone you know, please contact the relevant agencies of government, or one of the organisations linked to in the guide. Another useful resource is Truth and Lies about Poverty

What are the most significant poverty trends in Scotland today? JRF's sixth study of poverty and social exclusion in Scotland highlights a huge rise in unemployment for under-25s, and stark and growing health inequalities.

Is tackling in-work poverty the key for anti-poverty initiatives? The 'low-pay, no-pay' jobs market keeps millions in poverty and holds the economy back The annual Monitoring poverty report, written by the New Policy Institute, analyses trends to tell the story of poverty in the UK today. A set of 50 indicators covers a wide range of issues, ranging from low income, worklessness and debt, to ill-health and education. The report reveals the extent of in-work poverty and the dynamic nature of poverty, caused by people cycling in and out of work and an underemployed workforce. For the first time, the report examines the impacts of the current Government’s policies on poverty and exclusion.

A copy of the Justice and Peace Sunday Letter from our President, Bishop Moran, has been sent to every parish to be read out. Please ask your parish priest to publicise the Justice and Peace Commission and its work by reading the letter at Mass. The letter will be posted on the website nearer the date of the feast.

In the face of sweeping public spending cuts and a UK government economic strategy which targets the poor to pay for a crisis produced by the wealthy, a group of Christians in public life (activists, ministers and theologians) have issued this statement calling for Christian unity with others in the movement to resist the cuts in public and welfare provision

Why we need a socio economic inequality duty in Scotland
This briefing argues that the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament should act urgently to place a duty on public sector bodies that requires them to exercise their functions (including budget setting) in a way that is designed to reduce the inequalities of outcome which result from socio-economic disadvantage.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation has produced a report called ‘Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion in Scotland 2010’ which provides a comprehensive analysis of trends and differences between groups. It includes a broad review of relevant Scottish policy, using the framework of Achieving our Potential, the key Scottish policy document on poverty.

Low pay affects at least 20% of women and 15% of men in Scotland. Whilst all parts of Scotland are affected by low pay, rural areas tend to have higher proportions of workers living on low pay. In 2009, 70% of workers in food and beverage services were paid less than £6.61 an hour. These are just some of the key findings contained in this briefing.

The Trades Union Congress has produced a new report to highlight the costs of long term unemployment. The report reconfirms the clear links between poverty and unemployment, but also highlights the impact that long term unemployment can have on individuals and communities. It provides clear evidence regarding the need to do more to stop the rise in long term unemployment.

The Scottish Government has published a report on the extent of work and worklessness in Scotland. One in three housholds in Glasgow have no earned income coming in although in 2008, the total number of children living in workless households in Scotland was 120,700, down 11,300 over the year. Of the 120,700 children, 73.7 per cent (88,900) live in a lone parent household.

A summary of the Scottish Government Discussion Paper
In January 2008 the Scottish Government launched a discussion paper on tackling poverty in Scotland. This provides an opportunity for individuals and organisations to talk to the Government about poverty, inequality and deprivation in modern day Scotland. The intention is to create a discussion that will inform the Scottish Government’s development of a ‘framework’ to tackle poverty. This briefing paper summarises the main elements in the discussion paper and highlights the opportunities for responding to it.